Ch 47 -- Fer vs. Gryphon

　　"We'll soon be entering Gryphon territory." Fer's words gave me a shock.

　　We're finally at the Gryphon territory. I don't want to enter it.

　　"Keep the Barrier up solidly." I beg Fer.

　　"Yes I know. Don't worry."

　　I'm going to worry anyway. They're Gryphons after all.

　　* * * * *

　　We're well into Gryphon territory now. We haven't seen any trace of Gryphons yet. I wish we could go all the way through the Gryphon territory without seeing them at all.

　　On the third day a Gryphon appeared at last. A single Gryphon landed in front of us with a great beating of its wings. I was struck speechless. Honestly the sight of it nearly made me wet myself.

　　Anyway the Gryphon looked like a really big deal. It had the head of an eagle and the body of a lion and it was even bigger than Fer.

　　Suddenly this giant Gryphon kneeled down and bowed its head.

　　"Fenrir-sama, please, do this"

　　"Wh- what, it can talk?" I was surprised because I thought the only monster that could speak human language was Fer. Sui can use Telepathy like Fer because of her Contract with me but she can't talk. But this Gryphon can talk...

　　"Gryphons can't normally use human languages but this one is special and of high intelligence."

　　"Oh, that's why."

　　"This Gryphon and me and the Ancient Dragon can speak human language fluently." Fer explained.

　　I see.

　　"As he said, human words, only I" So this Gryphon is the only one that can speak human language.

　　"Flock leader, to become, trial, I must, fight me, please"

　　Huh? The Gryphon wants to fight Fer to become the leader of the Gryphons?

　　"Mighty, Fenrir-sama, fight, everyone, me, accept." So everyone in the flock will accept him as their leader if he fights a Fenrir. The Gryphon's got some guts, hey?

　　"Very well, I'll be your opponent, but I won't go easy on you." Fer said.

　　"Understood"

　　Sui and I got off Fer's back and moved clear. As I got off I whispered "Don't kill him, hey?" in Fer's ear but the only response was a shrug. I can't help but wonder if that Gryphon was going to be OK? If it comes to it we can use some of Sui's Deluxe High-Grade Potion but we've only got one PET bottle's worth. That might not be enough for such a large Gryphon.